At 39, Croatian midfield maestro Luka Modric is set to begin a new chapter with AC Milan after a glittering 13-year career at Real Madrid, during which he helped the Spanish club win 28 titles.

Modric landed in Italy on Monday for a medical ahead of signing a one-year contract with Milan, with an option for a second season. His move comes as Milan looks to rebuild following a disappointing series a campaign that saw the Rossoneri finish eighth and miss out on European competition.

The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner has long admired Milan, having grown up supporting the club due to his idol, fellow Croatian Zvonimir Boban, who starred for the team in the 1990s.

In May, Modric announced his departure from Madrid, where he won six European Cups, six Club World Cups, five European Super Cups, four La Liga titles, two Copas del Rey, and five Spanish Super Cups.

Milan recently reappointed Massimiliano Allegri as head coach, replacing Sergio Conceicao. Allegri previously led Milan to a Serie A title in 2011 before winning five consecutive league titles with Juventus from 2015 to 2019.

Reports indicate Allegri consulted former Madrid and Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti about Modric’s current form before making the move. Milan’s new sporting director Igli Tare also traveled to Croatia’s training camp last month to finalize the agreement.

Although the deal was struck before the Club World Cup, Modric only became available after Madrid’s 4-0 semifinal defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the United States — his final match for the Spanish giants.